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The Buchanan Brothers #1
Unhinged Cain
Kirby wished for a new life, but the Devil sent her Cain.
I knew what my calling in life was at a young age. I was the embodiment of death. The scent of blood and watching the life fade from something’s eyes was more delicious than any dessert. With my twin Abel by my side, we reveled in the pain of others and the knowledge that we were above it all. Not even the FBI could hunt us down.
The one thing I hadn’t accounted for was Kirby and the unusual spark of emotion she created. Being a psychopath, I knew my range of emotions had always been limited. Things like love, regret, and empathy eluded me. Yet I couldn’t stop stalking the woman that had piqued my interest.
But all decisions had consequences, and hunting Kirby wouldn’t just test my own rules. It would pull on the one bond I had, and Kirby was the hammer that might cause mine to splinter.
To the outside world, I had a life that most would say was privileged, but to me, it felt like the walls were caving in and trying to crush me with their rules of conformity. Little did I know that my life was about to change forever. One drive was all it took. One decision to turn down a wrong road, led to one heated glance that would catch the interest of the most notorious serial killer the FBI had ever chased.
Once I was in his grasp, my world turned on its axis, leaving me breathless and desiring things I could never have imagined. My mind became a war ground between my conscious and my growing passion for a man my heart should never want.
Would I be able to love him regardless of what he was, or would I end up on the wrong end of his blade?
I knew what my calling in life was at a young age. I was the embodiment of death. The scent of blood and watching the life fade from something’s eyes was more delicious than any dessert. With my twin Abel by my side, we reveled in the pain of others and the knowledge that we were above it all. Not even the FBI could hunt us down.
The one thing I hadn’t accounted for was Kirby and the unusual spark of emotion she created. Being a psychopath, I knew my range of emotions had always been limited. Things like love, regret, and empathy eluded me. Yet I couldn’t stop stalking the woman that had piqued my interest.
But all decisions had consequences, and hunting Kirby wouldn’t just test my own rules. It would pull on the one bond I had, and Kirby was the hammer that might cause mine to splinter.
To the outside world, I had a life that most would say was privileged, but to me, it felt like the walls were caving in and trying to crush me with their rules of conformity. Little did I know that my life was about to change forever. One drive was all it took. One decision to turn down a wrong road, led to one heated glance that would catch the interest of the most notorious serial killer the FBI had ever chased.
Once I was in his grasp, my world turned on its axis, leaving me breathless and desiring things I could never have imagined. My mind became a war ground between my conscious and my growing passion for a man my heart should never want.
Would I be able to love him regardless of what he was, or would I end up on the wrong end of his blade?
456 pages, Hardcover
Published December 9, 2022
About the author
Brooklyn Cross
47 books2,293 followersBrooklyn's Social Media Links:
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Brooklyn Cross grew up loving stories in a world that never quite understood how her mind worked.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page.
Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_broo...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookly...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooklyn.cro...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brook...
Brooklyn Cross grew up loving stories in a world that never quite understood how her mind worked.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page.
Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 788 reviews
November 4, 2022
'🆄🅽🅷🅸🅽🅶🅴🅳 🅲🅰🅸🅽' Is the first full length dark romance in the (The Buchanan Brother's) duet by new to me author 'Brooklyn Cross. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
I’m a little bit unhinged on the best of days so I think I’m going to like this one…🤔🤞
If you’ve got triggers then this book most definitely isn’t for you, this author doesn’t muck around, it’s dark, gritty, kinky, as fucked up as anything I’ve ever read, and at one stage in the story (cucumber play) I even ended up laughing out loud! Sorry not sorry for my sickness! Usually when an author dubs a book dark I'll go in skeptically mainly because their dark to my dark are on completely different playing fields. This author made me sit up, made me squirm, made me clammy, made me blush, I loved the push and pull I had towards Cain and his brother.
Cain isn't your typical kleptomaniac that steals the simple things in life, he likes to remove the eyeballs out of his victims if they are an unusual colour, take Kirby for instance his next victim in his line of sight her eyes are an unusual purple colour and it's those which came under his radar. He wants to add them to his collection.
But Kirby isn't your typical weeping willow, this girl is in training to become an FBI agent, so Cain has got his work cut out for him when it comes to kidnapping her.
Cain took stalking to a whole new level, no one saw him coming until it was too late…Car troubles? Have no fear our local mechanic is always driving the roads towing *coughs* unsuspecting victims, weither you live or die, depends on him..
Buckle up and get ready for a ride of a lifetime! This is one of the BEST STALKER books I've read! I'm just flabbergasted that this is the first book I've read by this author.
If this has been on your radar and you’ve thought about reading it, don’t think, just do it!
I saw this doing the rounds on my IG friends feed allthebookboyfriends (thank you), looked at the cover, looked at the title, read the synopsis and thought why the hell not, if I don’t like it no biggy! To end up loving it was a bonus!
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
March 4, 2023
Dnf70
Who could love this mf
Who could love this mf
October 25, 2022
Holy... this book was something else! When this author stresses that you need to be aware of the triggers ... she's NOT lying!! This will test your moral compass in the most delicious and depraved ways!! I don't even know if I can find the words to express just what this book did to me. Not for the faint of heart. You'll question yourself constantly while you're beyond captivated with this read!!
Cain and his twin brother Abel are two people that you would not want to encounter on a deserted road alone at night. They are sick, they are cruel and they are emotionless shells of men that try to feel something by stealing it from others... by their screams, sobs and fears. Like holy shit!!! Unhinged is an understatement. I can't unread some things ya know lol.
Kirby, ohh Kirby! She has no idea that she has perked the interest of a man who is pretty much soulless and has lucifer as his bestie. She has a douche of a mother and her boyfriend is an ass. She is attending classes just because her overbearing mother says so. Feels trapped and underappreciated. Life is dull... but hang on to your britches Honey cause you're gonna wish it was calm. Soon she'll be living a nightmare that could very well be her undoing.
This read will stick with me for a longggg time. I'm scared to read Abel's book hahaha!
Cain and his twin brother Abel are two people that you would not want to encounter on a deserted road alone at night. They are sick, they are cruel and they are emotionless shells of men that try to feel something by stealing it from others... by their screams, sobs and fears. Like holy shit!!! Unhinged is an understatement. I can't unread some things ya know lol.
Kirby, ohh Kirby! She has no idea that she has perked the interest of a man who is pretty much soulless and has lucifer as his bestie. She has a douche of a mother and her boyfriend is an ass. She is attending classes just because her overbearing mother says so. Feels trapped and underappreciated. Life is dull... but hang on to your britches Honey cause you're gonna wish it was calm. Soon she'll be living a nightmare that could very well be her undoing.
This read will stick with me for a longggg time. I'm scared to read Abel's book hahaha!
September 13, 2023
Cain and his brother Abel, have been dubbed the Chameleon KiIIer. The infamous serial kiIIer is being hunted by the FBI, including by Margaret Lawson, Quantico instructor.
Kirby Lawson, student and daughter to the lead investigator, unwittingly catches Cain’s attention with her unique eyes.
The definition of opposites attract, Cain and Kirby find more common ground than anyone might’ve expected.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: ❓⁉️❓
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Dark Horror Romance
✨ Tropes: Antihero, Insta-Obsession, Kidnap/Captive, MINE!, Opposites Attract, SerïaI UnaIiver, Stalker,
💋 Kinks: Domination, Somnophilia
⚠️ Warning: It’s definitely NSFW or with a kiddo by your side. In fact, I would highly recommend you read this one after dark to avoid side eye or awkward conversations.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Unhinged Cain is part of the Buchanan Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Kirby Lawson, student and daughter to the lead investigator, unwittingly catches Cain’s attention with her unique eyes.
The definition of opposites attract, Cain and Kirby find more common ground than anyone might’ve expected.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: ❓⁉️❓
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Dark Horror Romance
✨ Tropes: Antihero, Insta-Obsession, Kidnap/Captive, MINE!, Opposites Attract, SerïaI UnaIiver, Stalker,
💋 Kinks: Domination, Somnophilia
⚠️ Warning: It’s definitely NSFW or with a kiddo by your side. In fact, I would highly recommend you read this one after dark to avoid side eye or awkward conversations.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Unhinged Cain is part of the Buchanan Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
March 17, 2026
Thank you netgalley, Brooklyn Cross Books and author Brooklyn Cross for allowing to listen to this audiobook.
When i say this is the darkest and most twisted audiobook I have ever listened to I mean it. I was saying quite often wholly cow, what the heck am I listening to. It's about two twin brothers who have some sick and twisted desires. It is a dark horror romance. It's very graphic so please check your trigger warnings. The audiobook is done so well. The narrators do a superb job bringing this to life.
So if this your vibe give it a listen.
This is a review of the audiobook.
When i say this is the darkest and most twisted audiobook I have ever listened to I mean it. I was saying quite often wholly cow, what the heck am I listening to. It's about two twin brothers who have some sick and twisted desires. It is a dark horror romance. It's very graphic so please check your trigger warnings. The audiobook is done so well. The narrators do a superb job bringing this to life.
So if this your vibe give it a listen.
This is a review of the audiobook.
November 3, 2022
Unhinged indeed…
Holy hell what did I just read?! I wasn’t prepared for the sick twisted depravity that is Cain and Abel. Twins in every sense of the word. What one did to their body the other one made sure to duplicate it. One entity but two bodies. Cain~cold, clean, calculating psychopath and highly intelligent with an eye ball obsession. Abel~cold, psychotic and highly erratic. Both killers with no remorse for their victims. R@pe, sodomy, torture you name it they’ve done it without batting an eyelash.
There are triggers galore for this dark deranged tale. So pay close attention to them because the author does not exaggerate them in this book.
Cain has an obsession with eyes, the unique colors that he must have for his collection. Yes he has a collection of eyeballs.
When he gets just a quick glimpse of Kirby he is fascinated by her unusual eye color and must find out who she is so he can add to his collection.
But something is keeping him from killing his prey. She’s different, she sees him for who he really is and he’s not used to that. Abel and Cain have been a team since they were kids. Cain taking the time and effort to train Abel and teach him. When Cain finally stalks his prey and brings her back to his dungeon Abel thinks it’s going to be the same old same old, r@pe, torture and k!ll but Cain doesn’t want to share his shiny new toy and tells Abel not to touch her. Which really is waving a red flag in front of a bull and saying stay knowing damn well that bull is coming for your a$$.
The longer Kirby is in captivity with Cain the less time he spends with his brother and Abel is not having any of it. Full of jealousy, anger and intent, Abel plans to take things into his own hands only to be cast out of his brothers life for good.
The theory about don’t fall in love with a hero but the villain because the hero will sacrifice you to save the world but the villain will sacrifice the whole world to save you really is fitting in this book.
Cain will prove his “love” for Kirby in a way that is very fitting to his nature.
The next book in this duet will be Abel’s story. Twisted Abel by TL Hodel is already available. I’m not sure I’m ready for it yet, I might need to go read a few fluffy cuddly books first.
Holy hell what did I just read?! I wasn’t prepared for the sick twisted depravity that is Cain and Abel. Twins in every sense of the word. What one did to their body the other one made sure to duplicate it. One entity but two bodies. Cain~cold, clean, calculating psychopath and highly intelligent with an eye ball obsession. Abel~cold, psychotic and highly erratic. Both killers with no remorse for their victims. R@pe, sodomy, torture you name it they’ve done it without batting an eyelash.
There are triggers galore for this dark deranged tale. So pay close attention to them because the author does not exaggerate them in this book.
Cain has an obsession with eyes, the unique colors that he must have for his collection. Yes he has a collection of eyeballs.
When he gets just a quick glimpse of Kirby he is fascinated by her unusual eye color and must find out who she is so he can add to his collection.
But something is keeping him from killing his prey. She’s different, she sees him for who he really is and he’s not used to that. Abel and Cain have been a team since they were kids. Cain taking the time and effort to train Abel and teach him. When Cain finally stalks his prey and brings her back to his dungeon Abel thinks it’s going to be the same old same old, r@pe, torture and k!ll but Cain doesn’t want to share his shiny new toy and tells Abel not to touch her. Which really is waving a red flag in front of a bull and saying stay knowing damn well that bull is coming for your a$$.
The longer Kirby is in captivity with Cain the less time he spends with his brother and Abel is not having any of it. Full of jealousy, anger and intent, Abel plans to take things into his own hands only to be cast out of his brothers life for good.
The theory about don’t fall in love with a hero but the villain because the hero will sacrifice you to save the world but the villain will sacrifice the whole world to save you really is fitting in this book.
Cain will prove his “love” for Kirby in a way that is very fitting to his nature.
The next book in this duet will be Abel’s story. Twisted Abel by TL Hodel is already available. I’m not sure I’m ready for it yet, I might need to go read a few fluffy cuddly books first.
November 17, 2022
Think of all of the triggers you could imagine and that's this book. Deviantly depraved and full of so much delicious darkness this story is a rabbit hole of wickedness and though graphic and all sorts of wrong it was also equally wonderful and incredibly engaging just be prepared to leave your moral compass firmly at the door with this one.
Cain and Abel psychopathic brothers monsters that definitely don’t suffer from empathy or guilt and they both make zero apologies for their many deviances and depravities. Identical twins with a penchant for murderous mayhem and polar opposites in their personalities and approaches. Cain is a methodical planner where Abel is an unhinged loose cannon that is only tethered by his more controlled brother and the rules he set in place. Their only real loyalty up until now is to each other both operating as a single entity to avoid outside suspicion.
When Kirby catches the attention of Cain he is instantly fascinated especially by her unusual eyes. Initially thinking her his usual prey he stalks and analyses moving her expertly into a place of vulnerability. It’s not long before Kirby is Cains's newest obsession and his sunshine as he names her feels very different to those that have come before.
Kirby attends Quantico coerced by her ambitious mother who pulled strings to get her into the academy it is something Kirby neither wants nor appreciates. Her mother is also leading the pursuit of the notorious serial killer dubbed the chameleon.
Cain presents here as highly intelligent but with zero emotional attachment to anyone but his twin. He is cold collected and methodical in his kills. He’s well aware of right and wrong just chooses to disregard these rules as they apply to him. The ability to project an affable mask helps him hide in plain sight but it doesn’t always come easy to him.
I actually liked the dynamic between these brothers and was intrigued by their obvious loyalty towards each other. I was fascinated by Cains's thought process as well as his growing possessiveness of Kirby. He actually appeared clueless over the whys and seemed oblivious to the wider repercussions regarding his emerging fragile feelings.
I even found myself liking Cain despite his obvious flaws and immoral behaviours he seems to have accepted the way he is but it was also obvious he’s looking for something more to connect to and he thinks he may have maybe found this in Kirby. Seeing something buried deep that she doesn’t even recognise herself though it does take him some time to arrive at this conclusion. Be aware though that Cain is definitely no Dexter and this isn’t a story where he’s cured and saved all by the love of his woman. Cain stays true to his nature throughout.
Going forward I’m intrigued to dig deeper in regards to Abel where Cain seems to have some control of his many violent tendencies Abel came across as totally emotionally triggered and lacking in any control over his murderous impulses and with the additional damage he’s caused to the ties that bind him to his brother it will be interesting to see if he spirals or in fact instead manages to find some semblance of control and take some responsibility.
This was well written and incredibly engaging the transition from adversaries to partners felt believable and the connection authentic. Be aware though this story has a lot of triggers and is extremely graphic in its descriptions. This definitely isn’t going to be for everyone that’s for sure and at times it’s far from pretty personally I loved it. On a side note before I sign off can I just mention the cucumber incident my god that was such a lol moment and pure viewing gold.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
November 15, 2022
"The good Lord made you wrong, and the devil crawled into your soul and has never left.”
This book will keep you on your toes! It's a dark, gritty and twisted story...with a sprinkle of dark humour. Cain is a deliciously dark and depraved anti hero.
Loved and enjoyed Cain and Kirby's story. Highly recommend reading!!!
*UPDATE & MAJOR SPOILER FOR BOOK 3* SEE BELOW - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!!
For those that are triggered by death, you may want to avoid Unhinged Kallie, there daughters book. Especially if you'd prefer to stay in ignorant bliss and stay in your happy bubble for Cain & Kirby. 🙁 While I love Brooklyns writing, that book is why I also haven't picked up another of her books since. 😬🤷♀️
November 27, 2022
What a book.
Messy, dirty, scary, wrong and unbelievable!
Messy, dirty, scary, wrong and unbelievable!
September 7, 2026
Demented in All the Best Ways
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚🖤
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋😉😎😮
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration
Characters and Plot Summary
Unhinged Cain is definitely one of those dark romances where the title is not exaggerating. Cain Buchanan is a highly intelligent, calculated serial killer who has learned to imitate normal emotions because he does not experience them in the way most people do. His twin, Abel, is just as dangerous, but much more impulsive and chaotic. I actually found their relationship fascinating because their identical appearance is taken to an extreme. If one gets a scar, the other gives himself the same scar, and even Abel’s increasingly ridiculous tattoos become something Cain has to copy to preserve their identical image.
Everything changes when Cain sees Kirby and becomes fixated on her unusual violet eyes. Eyes have always been his trophies, so the fact that he has never had a victim with violet eyes makes her immediately special to him. Kirby is training at Quantico largely because her controlling mother, Margaret, expects her to become an FBI agent. Kirby would much rather paint, and her dissatisfaction with her life becomes even more obvious as she questions her relationship with Peter and the path she has been pushed toward.
I especially liked that Margaret is investigating the Chameleon while unknowingly being much closer to the truth than she realizes. That creates an interesting layer of dramatic irony, particularly because her own daughter is becoming involved with the very killer she is trying to understand. The story also takes some genuinely disturbing turns, so the trigger warnings should absolutely be taken seriously. Other readers have specifically mentioned the graphic violence, sexual violence, captivity, and other extreme content.
Highlights and Limitations
The biggest strength for me was Cain himself. I love dark romance when the hero is genuinely morally irredeemable rather than simply a dangerous man with a soft heart, and Cain absolutely fits that description. His internal rules about being smart, precise, clean, and never getting caught make his criminal behavior feel calculated rather than random. Yet Kirby begins disrupting that carefully controlled world simply because he becomes obsessed with her.
I also really enjoyed the Cain and Abel dynamic. Cain is the leader and planner while Abel is the unpredictable follower, and their devotion to maintaining their identical appearance is both creepy and strangely compelling. The fact that Cain believes he loves Abel, or at least experiences something close to love with him, gives his otherwise emotionally limited character another dimension.
Kirby was more complicated for me. I understood why she was frustrated with her life and her mother’s expectations, but I sometimes wished she had been developed more deeply. The only other limitation was that these two killers seemed to kill far too often to not get caught. Though I was glad the book mentioned they somehow got rid of the bodies completely rather than dumping them all in out of the way places. They sometimes used pigs that were mentioned early on, about how quickly pigs could devour a body.
Still, I never found myself bored. The story kept pushing me into increasingly uncomfortable territory, and I actually appreciated that it did not try to make Cain’s behavior acceptable simply because this is a romance. My biggest personal reaction was probably how much I enjoyed watching someone as controlled as Cain become genuinely thrown off balance by Kirby.
Narration
Teddy Hamilton was fantastic as Cain. His performance gave Cain exactly the cold, dangerous quality I wanted, while still allowing those subtle changes in his voice when Kirby began affecting him. He really sells the contrast between the man Cain pretends to be around other people and the psychopath underneath.
Angelina Rocca also did a great job with Kirby, particularly in the scenes where Kirby is frightened, frustrated, or pushing back against the people trying to control her. The duet-style narration worked particularly well for this story, and several audiobook reviewers specifically praised both narrators and Teddy Hamilton’s performance.
One small audio complaint I did have was the use of sound effects at the beginning of chapters. They were not a dealbreaker, but I found them unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Unhinged Cain was exactly the kind of messed-up, morally black romance I enjoy when I want something seriously dark. Cain and Abel are disturbing, Kirby’s circumstances are complicated, and the romance is absolutely not conventional. I particularly enjoyed the idea of an utterly unredeemable character becoming obsessed with the one person who manages to awaken something resembling genuine emotion in him. Especially since he still planned on eventually killing her for much of the time after he had her in his grasp.
I do wish Kirby had received a little more character development and that some of the later relationship progression had been given more room to breathe. Even so, I was completely invested. I have been loving doing the read-and-listen combination, and Teddy Hamilton’s performance made Cain even more compelling.
My biggest problem now is that I finished, wanting more Buchanan brothers immediately. I am honestly a little distressed that Twisted Abel isn’t available on audiobook because after spending this much time inside Cain and Abel’s twisted world, I absolutely want to hear Abel’s story too. I will most likely read the book without an audio companion.
Quotes
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚🖤
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋😉😎😮
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration
Characters and Plot Summary
Unhinged Cain is definitely one of those dark romances where the title is not exaggerating. Cain Buchanan is a highly intelligent, calculated serial killer who has learned to imitate normal emotions because he does not experience them in the way most people do. His twin, Abel, is just as dangerous, but much more impulsive and chaotic. I actually found their relationship fascinating because their identical appearance is taken to an extreme. If one gets a scar, the other gives himself the same scar, and even Abel’s increasingly ridiculous tattoos become something Cain has to copy to preserve their identical image.
Everything changes when Cain sees Kirby and becomes fixated on her unusual violet eyes. Eyes have always been his trophies, so the fact that he has never had a victim with violet eyes makes her immediately special to him. Kirby is training at Quantico largely because her controlling mother, Margaret, expects her to become an FBI agent. Kirby would much rather paint, and her dissatisfaction with her life becomes even more obvious as she questions her relationship with Peter and the path she has been pushed toward.
I especially liked that Margaret is investigating the Chameleon while unknowingly being much closer to the truth than she realizes. That creates an interesting layer of dramatic irony, particularly because her own daughter is becoming involved with the very killer she is trying to understand. The story also takes some genuinely disturbing turns, so the trigger warnings should absolutely be taken seriously. Other readers have specifically mentioned the graphic violence, sexual violence, captivity, and other extreme content.
Highlights and Limitations
The biggest strength for me was Cain himself. I love dark romance when the hero is genuinely morally irredeemable rather than simply a dangerous man with a soft heart, and Cain absolutely fits that description. His internal rules about being smart, precise, clean, and never getting caught make his criminal behavior feel calculated rather than random. Yet Kirby begins disrupting that carefully controlled world simply because he becomes obsessed with her.
I also really enjoyed the Cain and Abel dynamic. Cain is the leader and planner while Abel is the unpredictable follower, and their devotion to maintaining their identical appearance is both creepy and strangely compelling. The fact that Cain believes he loves Abel, or at least experiences something close to love with him, gives his otherwise emotionally limited character another dimension.
Kirby was more complicated for me. I understood why she was frustrated with her life and her mother’s expectations, but I sometimes wished she had been developed more deeply. The only other limitation was that these two killers seemed to kill far too often to not get caught. Though I was glad the book mentioned they somehow got rid of the bodies completely rather than dumping them all in out of the way places. They sometimes used pigs that were mentioned early on, about how quickly pigs could devour a body.
Still, I never found myself bored. The story kept pushing me into increasingly uncomfortable territory, and I actually appreciated that it did not try to make Cain’s behavior acceptable simply because this is a romance. My biggest personal reaction was probably how much I enjoyed watching someone as controlled as Cain become genuinely thrown off balance by Kirby.
Narration
Teddy Hamilton was fantastic as Cain. His performance gave Cain exactly the cold, dangerous quality I wanted, while still allowing those subtle changes in his voice when Kirby began affecting him. He really sells the contrast between the man Cain pretends to be around other people and the psychopath underneath.
Angelina Rocca also did a great job with Kirby, particularly in the scenes where Kirby is frightened, frustrated, or pushing back against the people trying to control her. The duet-style narration worked particularly well for this story, and several audiobook reviewers specifically praised both narrators and Teddy Hamilton’s performance.
One small audio complaint I did have was the use of sound effects at the beginning of chapters. They were not a dealbreaker, but I found them unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Unhinged Cain was exactly the kind of messed-up, morally black romance I enjoy when I want something seriously dark. Cain and Abel are disturbing, Kirby’s circumstances are complicated, and the romance is absolutely not conventional. I particularly enjoyed the idea of an utterly unredeemable character becoming obsessed with the one person who manages to awaken something resembling genuine emotion in him. Especially since he still planned on eventually killing her for much of the time after he had her in his grasp.
I do wish Kirby had received a little more character development and that some of the later relationship progression had been given more room to breathe. Even so, I was completely invested. I have been loving doing the read-and-listen combination, and Teddy Hamilton’s performance made Cain even more compelling.
My biggest problem now is that I finished, wanting more Buchanan brothers immediately. I am honestly a little distressed that Twisted Abel isn’t available on audiobook because after spending this much time inside Cain and Abel’s twisted world, I absolutely want to hear Abel’s story too. I will most likely read the book without an audio companion.
Quotes
“Time to stalk a pretty girl, pretty girl, pretty girl.
Time to stalk a pretty girl so early in the morning.
Time to make the girl mine, the girl mine, the girl mine.
Time to make the girl mine so early in the morning.
Time to slit her pretty throat, pretty throat, pretty throat.
Time to slit her pretty throat and keep her as my trophy.”
I didn’t like the sound of his name on her tongue. That was the first name she was never allowed to say again. Leaning dangerously close to her ear, I growled softly. “Never say his name again near me unless you want me to remove your tongue.”
“She was the ultimate Ice Queen, and I was the spawn she got pregnant with by accident. I’d never lived up to her expectations since.”
“I’m sorry, I just love how all the FBI and my mother are talking to the murderer they’re chasing and have no fucking clue.” She slumped against the wall, a smile on her face. “Serves them right for being so fucking arrogant.”
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October 31, 2022
Somehow, I unintentionally stumbled into the perfect Halloween read on Halloween. Now this book isn’t about Halloween nor does it take place near it but it’s the vibe, ya know. This book is not for the feint of heart. It’s absolutely dark romance in all it’s twisted glory.
The cover here is superb. It’s quite perfect for the H and this story. I wish the title had been a bit more imaginative but it gets the job done.
If you have triggers or hate spoilers you probably aren’t reading this review but I just want to give you a chance to change your mind if don’t want spoilers or have a lot of triggers. Spoilers below. Trigger landmine for noncon/rape, murder, torture, violence, blood and gore.
This is my first book by Brooklyn Cross. She almost did too good of a job convincing me that Cain was a sociopathic serial killer. I wasn’t sure how he was going to be able NOT to kill Kirby (h). He certainly sat out to do so, I think he may have adjusted his plans after hearing her speak about his “art” as he snuck into spy and stalk her at Quantico.
Did I mention she’s training to be an FBI agent? Even stranger, she has no desire to be one. She’s being “forced” by her mother, who is an FBI agent.
Even after taking Kirby captive I still thought he might end up killing her. He even seemed uncertain himself a few times.
It was clear all along that Kirby wasn’t exactly like a normal girl. So for this to work, she has to join him or, at the very least, be at peace with him killing people. It ends up being the latter. I’m glad. I think having her suddenly start participating in his killing would have pushed my suspension of disbelief too far.
This is DARK. The killings are graphic, violent and detailed. Cain has a twin brother, Abel (he’s got his own book) who’s also a serial killer. They are depraved together. They torture and rape their victims. There is on page detailed sex with their victims. The consent is extremely dubious. I think the author goes out of her way to set it up to be dubcon instead of noncon. I think technically it would be dubcon but given the situation it’s more noncon.
Slow burn, H/h have consensual sex around 79%. However, there is a sex scene at 41% or so where H has sex with a passed out h. She’s been drinking. It’s on the bed with her soon to be ex boyfriend who’s also passed out drink. The h didn’t even know H was stalking her yet when this happens. H pegs her boyfriend with a cucumber in this same scene. The h doesn’t find out about it until much, much later.
No virgins
Push away from h
OM drama
Dubcon
Noncon
Somnophilia
No cliffhanger for couple
No separation
HFN/HEA
Epilogue
Safety - 0% absolutely not safe at all. H has detailed on page dubcon/noncon sex with a victim. There’s another scene he’s watching a video of their killings with his brother. On the tape he is making a victim blow him. They jerk off to it. This happens around 7%. He’s seen h once and wants to find her but has no other info yet.
The on page sex with victim happens around 20%. He’s met h and decided he’s going to take her but is still in preliminary stages of stalking.
The cover here is superb. It’s quite perfect for the H and this story. I wish the title had been a bit more imaginative but it gets the job done.
If you have triggers or hate spoilers you probably aren’t reading this review but I just want to give you a chance to change your mind if don’t want spoilers or have a lot of triggers. Spoilers below. Trigger landmine for noncon/rape, murder, torture, violence, blood and gore.
This is my first book by Brooklyn Cross. She almost did too good of a job convincing me that Cain was a sociopathic serial killer. I wasn’t sure how he was going to be able NOT to kill Kirby (h). He certainly sat out to do so, I think he may have adjusted his plans after hearing her speak about his “art” as he snuck into spy and stalk her at Quantico.
Did I mention she’s training to be an FBI agent? Even stranger, she has no desire to be one. She’s being “forced” by her mother, who is an FBI agent.
Even after taking Kirby captive I still thought he might end up killing her. He even seemed uncertain himself a few times.
It was clear all along that Kirby wasn’t exactly like a normal girl. So for this to work, she has to join him or, at the very least, be at peace with him killing people. It ends up being the latter. I’m glad. I think having her suddenly start participating in his killing would have pushed my suspension of disbelief too far.
This is DARK. The killings are graphic, violent and detailed. Cain has a twin brother, Abel (he’s got his own book) who’s also a serial killer. They are depraved together. They torture and rape their victims. There is on page detailed sex with their victims. The consent is extremely dubious. I think the author goes out of her way to set it up to be dubcon instead of noncon. I think technically it would be dubcon but given the situation it’s more noncon.
Slow burn, H/h have consensual sex around 79%. However, there is a sex scene at 41% or so where H has sex with a passed out h. She’s been drinking. It’s on the bed with her soon to be ex boyfriend who’s also passed out drink. The h didn’t even know H was stalking her yet when this happens. H pegs her boyfriend with a cucumber in this same scene. The h doesn’t find out about it until much, much later.
No virgins
Push away from h
OM drama
Dubcon
Noncon
Somnophilia
No cliffhanger for couple
No separation
HFN/HEA
Epilogue
Safety - 0% absolutely not safe at all. H has detailed on page dubcon/noncon sex with a victim. There’s another scene he’s watching a video of their killings with his brother. On the tape he is making a victim blow him. They jerk off to it. This happens around 7%. He’s seen h once and wants to find her but has no other info yet.
The on page sex with victim happens around 20%. He’s met h and decided he’s going to take her but is still in preliminary stages of stalking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
Oh, wow. This book was meeesssed uuuup. I don’t even want to write a review. But excuse me while I go buy the next.
*All I’ll say is heed the trigger warnings. HEED THEM
4 stars
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2023: This book fulfills the " A book where the main character's name is in the title" category.
*All I’ll say is heed the trigger warnings. HEED THEM
4 stars
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2023: This book fulfills the " A book where the main character's name is in the title" category.
July 5, 2023
I need to get a lobotomy
November 14, 2022
This story was different, creative in the theme of a certifiable, depraved character who falls in love. And while the writing was skillful, in a lot of respects, it read like a crime story -- more deviant, twisted drama than romance. And in fact, there was such emphasis -- inner monologue -- on Cain (and Abel's) compulsion to kill as well as blood and carving that I had a hard time maintaining interest. The dark humor had me chuckling from time to time though.
I wasn't looking for sweet romance, and while the premise might have been appealing, the plot progression, the little spice, and the repetition of pointing out how dark Cain didn't work for me.
I wasn't looking for sweet romance, and while the premise might have been appealing, the plot progression, the little spice, and the repetition of pointing out how dark Cain didn't work for me.
November 3, 2022
Talk about on the edge of my seat the whole way through! Holy shit this book was wild ! This story was dark full of twists and turns it’s bloody it’s twisted unhinged is more like it but I loved every twisted word of it ! Check your trigger warnings !
I am loving this story and the characters especially the OTT ones are giving me life!!!
I am loving this story and the characters especially the OTT ones are giving me life!!!
November 22, 2022
Wow Cain and Abel, what a duo of destruction these two are. Unbelievable in their chaos, unhinged in their calamity. But when Cain spots Kirby as they pass each other it ignites and obsessive attraction and unmistakable clashing of of wills so powerful you could feel it pouring off the page of this story.
Kirby, oh my goodness, that young girl with the violet eyes has been through so much.
Thoroughly enjoyable story, great characters, but beware of the warnings. It's not for everyone!
Kirby, oh my goodness, that young girl with the violet eyes has been through so much.
Thoroughly enjoyable story, great characters, but beware of the warnings. It's not for everyone!
October 26, 2025
Unhinged Cain by Brooklyn Cross
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Angelina Rocca and Teddy Hamilton
Genre: Dark Romance, Horror
📖- 4.5
🎙️- 5
🌶️- 3
Tropes:
🔪 Serial Killer x FBI Agent
🔪 Unhinged MC
🔪 Stockholm Syndrome
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS‼️
Possible Spoiler Audiobook Review 🎧
Full disclosure, I read this book when it was released and really enjoyed it. I liked the storyline and serial killer vibe, so when the audiobook became available, I jumped at the opportunity. OMG! I LOVED this audio! Performed in duet by Angelina Rocca and Teddy Hamilton, they nailed Cain and his little Sunshine. The immersive experience was just an added bonus that I have recently come to appreciate. It was not over done or so much to cause over stimulation.
This storyline is so fun and unique, I wonder what is actually wrong with me. Have I read too much dark romance? Because how can a serial killer, who hunts a FBI agent be fun. Well, the audio gave this book a new spin. I found myself laughing and giggling while listening, where it was a more serious vibe when I was reading the physical book.
Cain is the identical twin to Abel; tattoos and psychopathy included. Both brothers are serial killers that dates back to their childhood. They blend well within the community and can easily stay under the radar. Cain has a fascination with unique eyes and when he stumbles on a pair of violet ones, his obsession takes over and he decides he wants her for himself. Lots of manipulation, abuse, truths and everything in between take place after. The way this story unfolds was fun, exciting and addictive.
I loved this book and the audio! It was such a great listen. I cannot wait to listen to Abel’s book.
Thank you Brooklyn Cross and Net Galley for the ALC.
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Angelina Rocca and Teddy Hamilton
Genre: Dark Romance, Horror
📖- 4.5
🎙️- 5
🌶️- 3
Tropes:
🔪 Serial Killer x FBI Agent
🔪 Unhinged MC
🔪 Stockholm Syndrome
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS‼️
Possible Spoiler Audiobook Review 🎧
Full disclosure, I read this book when it was released and really enjoyed it. I liked the storyline and serial killer vibe, so when the audiobook became available, I jumped at the opportunity. OMG! I LOVED this audio! Performed in duet by Angelina Rocca and Teddy Hamilton, they nailed Cain and his little Sunshine. The immersive experience was just an added bonus that I have recently come to appreciate. It was not over done or so much to cause over stimulation.
This storyline is so fun and unique, I wonder what is actually wrong with me. Have I read too much dark romance? Because how can a serial killer, who hunts a FBI agent be fun. Well, the audio gave this book a new spin. I found myself laughing and giggling while listening, where it was a more serious vibe when I was reading the physical book.
Cain is the identical twin to Abel; tattoos and psychopathy included. Both brothers are serial killers that dates back to their childhood. They blend well within the community and can easily stay under the radar. Cain has a fascination with unique eyes and when he stumbles on a pair of violet ones, his obsession takes over and he decides he wants her for himself. Lots of manipulation, abuse, truths and everything in between take place after. The way this story unfolds was fun, exciting and addictive.
I loved this book and the audio! It was such a great listen. I cannot wait to listen to Abel’s book.
Thank you Brooklyn Cross and Net Galley for the ALC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
November 1, 2025ALC🎧
June 21, 2023
✨𝑼𝒏𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒏✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Starting off with - THIS IS DARK DARK DARK, if you have any triggers at all, don’t even attempt this book.
That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever devoured a book this fast. I could not put it down, I’m literally OBSESSED. Cain is my one true psychopath stalker love. Literally the best stalker romance I’ve ever read. Cain isn’t just a stalker though, no, he is a serial killer that hunts his prey based off the colors of their eyes. He becomes infatuated with Kirby when he finds her rare purple eyes and won’t stop until she’s his.
What’s better than one unhinged stalker serial killer? Twin brothers that work together to convince the world that they are just one serial killer.
I loved every second of this twisted dark book & it makes me want to run to read everything this author has wrote. There are a few spelling & formatting errors but other than that its literal perfection & I've never read anything like this.
𝐓𝐫𝟎𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🖤 Unh!nged S3r!al K!ll3r MMC
🖤 St@lk3r Romance
🖤 FBI Agent in Training FMC
🖤 Psych0path Twin Brothers
🖤 Collects V!ctims Eyes
🖤 Banter
🖤 Hunter/Pr3y
🖤 Capt!ve/Capt0r
🖤 G0re
🖤 Extremely Dark Themes
🖤 Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Starting off with - THIS IS DARK DARK DARK, if you have any triggers at all, don’t even attempt this book.
That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever devoured a book this fast. I could not put it down, I’m literally OBSESSED. Cain is my one true psychopath stalker love. Literally the best stalker romance I’ve ever read. Cain isn’t just a stalker though, no, he is a serial killer that hunts his prey based off the colors of their eyes. He becomes infatuated with Kirby when he finds her rare purple eyes and won’t stop until she’s his.
What’s better than one unhinged stalker serial killer? Twin brothers that work together to convince the world that they are just one serial killer.
I loved every second of this twisted dark book & it makes me want to run to read everything this author has wrote. There are a few spelling & formatting errors but other than that its literal perfection & I've never read anything like this.
𝐓𝐫𝟎𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🖤 Unh!nged S3r!al K!ll3r MMC
🖤 St@lk3r Romance
🖤 FBI Agent in Training FMC
🖤 Psych0path Twin Brothers
🖤 Collects V!ctims Eyes
🖤 Banter
🖤 Hunter/Pr3y
🖤 Capt!ve/Capt0r
🖤 G0re
🖤 Extremely Dark Themes
🖤 Dual POV
March 2, 2023
5/5⭐️
4/5🥵
"I don't just want to pluck the wings from your back, Sunshine. I want to pull the little legs from your body until you can no longer run."
This is my kind of fucked up book! Never a dull moment ❤️🔥🦋
4/5🥵
"I don't just want to pluck the wings from your back, Sunshine. I want to pull the little legs from your body until you can no longer run."
This is my kind of fucked up book! Never a dull moment ❤️🔥🦋
Read
November 26, 2022DNF @60%
All the trigger warnings…sexy psychopaths…gore and FBI agents couldn’t make this book interesting….Zzzzzzzz
All the trigger warnings…sexy psychopaths…gore and FBI agents couldn’t make this book interesting….Zzzzzzzz
November 29, 2025
Rating 5⭐
Spice 🔪🩸🪢🚓👤
ALC Review
Wowie, this book was pretty dark and unhinged AF. There was a lot of dubious questionable actions that was happening to the point i had to ask myself: Am I okay? Am I into this? It was a wild ride but I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Summary: Cain knew he was different. He knew he wasn't a "normal" boy when he was young. He loved the darker and deprvied thoughts that went inside his head and he would take it for his own. He didn't nor wanted anyone. Cain had his brother, Abel, and while he was already a pain in his neck, Abel was one Cain tolerated most. Cain would never realize a violet eyed woman would change his life forever.
This may be one of a darker book I have read, and that is quite saying something lol. This is more of a mindf*ck than anything. Cain makes Kirby question herself in a way of seeing her inner darkness. He sees her for who she is, same in the way Kirby saw his "artwork." It is a very psychological thing in my opinion but it was written beautifully
Also...alsoo, to those who read my reviews (idk who does, im just a bean on the internet) Yall know i'm all about the spice and vibes. And the spice? The spice was hitttting Even before the MCs meet, and there was a spicy scene. It was so horrifying erotic. I don't know whether to hate it or not.
The internal battles was real with this one, but in the end I did enjoy it alot. The romance didn't feel rushed, but it did take awhile for Kirby and Cain to even interact with one another. This one wsa definitely all the vibes & spice for me.
I received the ALC through Netgalley by Independent Book Publishers Association. This review is my true and honest thoughts
Spice 🔪🩸🪢🚓👤
ALC Review
Wowie, this book was pretty dark and unhinged AF. There was a lot of dubious questionable actions that was happening to the point i had to ask myself: Am I okay? Am I into this? It was a wild ride but I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Summary: Cain knew he was different. He knew he wasn't a "normal" boy when he was young. He loved the darker and deprvied thoughts that went inside his head and he would take it for his own. He didn't nor wanted anyone. Cain had his brother, Abel, and while he was already a pain in his neck, Abel was one Cain tolerated most. Cain would never realize a violet eyed woman would change his life forever.
This may be one of a darker book I have read, and that is quite saying something lol. This is more of a mindf*ck than anything. Cain makes Kirby question herself in a way of seeing her inner darkness. He sees her for who she is, same in the way Kirby saw his "artwork." It is a very psychological thing in my opinion but it was written beautifully
Also...alsoo, to those who read my reviews (idk who does, im just a bean on the internet) Yall know i'm all about the spice and vibes. And the spice? The spice was hitttting Even before the MCs meet, and there was a spicy scene. It was so horrifying erotic. I don't know whether to hate it or not.
The internal battles was real with this one, but in the end I did enjoy it alot. The romance didn't feel rushed, but it did take awhile for Kirby and Cain to even interact with one another. This one wsa definitely all the vibes & spice for me.
I received the ALC through Netgalley by Independent Book Publishers Association. This review is my true and honest thoughts
November 15, 2025
Seriously unhinged. More later when I can process what I actually listened to.
Duet narration by Teddy Hamilton and Angelina Rocca was absolutely fabulous.
Cain and Abel were seriously unhinged serial killers. Fascinating characters.
Kirby seems whiney but is definitely under the thumb of her over controlling mother and almost abusive boyfriend.
The push and pull between Cain and Kirby is well written and pulls you into the story.
Yet another story that had me questioning my own morals and thoughts.
Duet narration by Teddy Hamilton and Angelina Rocca was absolutely fabulous.
Cain and Abel were seriously unhinged serial killers. Fascinating characters.
Kirby seems whiney but is definitely under the thumb of her over controlling mother and almost abusive boyfriend.
The push and pull between Cain and Kirby is well written and pulls you into the story.
Yet another story that had me questioning my own morals and thoughts.
April 20, 2026
I have never read a book this unhinged… I’m not even sure how I feel about it lol. Check your trigger warnings is all I have to say. 😅🫣
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
November 8, 2022
Part of the Buchanan Brothers Duet - second book is Twisted Abel - and meant to be read in order. I wasn’t sure if a twin serial killers romance was going to be in my wheel house, because lets face it, that’s a tough sell. OMG. Couldn’t put either of them down. Deliciously depraved. How these ladies make killers hot is anyone’s guess but they do.
This was my first Brooklyn Cross book but I will be reading more.
This was my first Brooklyn Cross book but I will be reading more.
December 9, 2022
Woah
Talk about a wild ride. This book will definitely have you questioning your morals. Lots of triggers, so be very careful. If you don’t like dark books and I mean dark, this book is not for you.
Talk about a wild ride. This book will definitely have you questioning your morals. Lots of triggers, so be very careful. If you don’t like dark books and I mean dark, this book is not for you.
October 26, 2022
1st person/multiple pov
Spice: 4.5/5
WHOA. I almost do not have words for this one! It was supposed to be dark but I think the word dark is an understatement. Here we have twin brothers, Cain and Abel, who live in a rural area of Virginia not far from Quantico. Identical in every physical way with a bond forged by darkness. Together they become the most notorious serial killer the FBI has ever set its sight on. Then a brief and random encounter, a shared glance between Cain and a woman with violet eyes, begins a series of events that changes everything. Cain has a new project that challenges the rules he has set for himself - hunting Kirby Lawson.
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm not sure if words can adequately express that. From the beginning, the author does not hold back on the wickedness of these brothers. Morally they are a black hole with no regard for human life. There is no shying away from the torture and murder that takes place between the two of them. You get to see pieces of their childhood and how it may or may not have played a part in the life they live now. The relationship they have with each other, while it is indeed twisted, is both simple and complex at the same time. They are similar but also very different, which I feel plays a major role in how they have managed to fly under the radar as suspects in the killings. The way Cain's mind works is so intriguing that I still want to dive further into his character.
I really enjoyed the way their dynamic is written. Amid all the horrible deeds they are doing to and with their victims, there is a playful banter back and forth between them that is so oblivious to how disturbing the things that they are committing are. It could just be my dark sense of humor but I found it incredibly funny and it helped offset some of the depravity of what I was reading. As Kirby enters the picture I like how they initially see each other in a way that sparks quite an interest without actually meeting. This leads Cain to begin his hunt which is one of the things I enjoy most about dark romance with stalking. To see how the hunter learns about his prey and inserts himself into her life continually builds the anticipation of the moment his true nature/identity is discovered. The way this author plays on the fear that no matter how normal and harmless a person can seem we never truly know what someone is capable of, and that attraction does not always mean a person is safe... it is so authentic. I feel like I could open a news article and read about this very thing happening somewhere out here in the real world. So scary but so entertaining.
As Cain and Kirby eventually "meet" their relationship begins to morph and grow. I am still taken aback by the way my opinion of Cain alters alongside Kirby's. Once again a story that shows there is always more to a person than what we see on the surface and that sometimes it takes someone willing to see beyond that to bring those parts out of them. Throw in the conflict it causes with Abel and I was on the edge of my seat; unable to put the book down for most of the last half. It doesn't hurt that the spice at this point is sizzling and has me questioning my own sanity all the way through the epilogue.
By far one of the best dark romance books I have ever read. It is not for the faint of heart I can assure you because it is extremely twisted and shocking, but that is exactly how I like dark romance to be. And the love story that comes out of it is so worth the complex journey to get to it. So if you're the kind of reader who can handle that, then I highly suspect you will enjoy the hell out of this book. As always read through the TW/CW to be on the safe side because if any book could be triggering it would be this one.
Spice: 4.5/5
WHOA. I almost do not have words for this one! It was supposed to be dark but I think the word dark is an understatement. Here we have twin brothers, Cain and Abel, who live in a rural area of Virginia not far from Quantico. Identical in every physical way with a bond forged by darkness. Together they become the most notorious serial killer the FBI has ever set its sight on. Then a brief and random encounter, a shared glance between Cain and a woman with violet eyes, begins a series of events that changes everything. Cain has a new project that challenges the rules he has set for himself - hunting Kirby Lawson.
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm not sure if words can adequately express that. From the beginning, the author does not hold back on the wickedness of these brothers. Morally they are a black hole with no regard for human life. There is no shying away from the torture and murder that takes place between the two of them. You get to see pieces of their childhood and how it may or may not have played a part in the life they live now. The relationship they have with each other, while it is indeed twisted, is both simple and complex at the same time. They are similar but also very different, which I feel plays a major role in how they have managed to fly under the radar as suspects in the killings. The way Cain's mind works is so intriguing that I still want to dive further into his character.
I really enjoyed the way their dynamic is written. Amid all the horrible deeds they are doing to and with their victims, there is a playful banter back and forth between them that is so oblivious to how disturbing the things that they are committing are. It could just be my dark sense of humor but I found it incredibly funny and it helped offset some of the depravity of what I was reading. As Kirby enters the picture I like how they initially see each other in a way that sparks quite an interest without actually meeting. This leads Cain to begin his hunt which is one of the things I enjoy most about dark romance with stalking. To see how the hunter learns about his prey and inserts himself into her life continually builds the anticipation of the moment his true nature/identity is discovered. The way this author plays on the fear that no matter how normal and harmless a person can seem we never truly know what someone is capable of, and that attraction does not always mean a person is safe... it is so authentic. I feel like I could open a news article and read about this very thing happening somewhere out here in the real world. So scary but so entertaining.
As Cain and Kirby eventually "meet" their relationship begins to morph and grow. I am still taken aback by the way my opinion of Cain alters alongside Kirby's. Once again a story that shows there is always more to a person than what we see on the surface and that sometimes it takes someone willing to see beyond that to bring those parts out of them. Throw in the conflict it causes with Abel and I was on the edge of my seat; unable to put the book down for most of the last half. It doesn't hurt that the spice at this point is sizzling and has me questioning my own sanity all the way through the epilogue.
By far one of the best dark romance books I have ever read. It is not for the faint of heart I can assure you because it is extremely twisted and shocking, but that is exactly how I like dark romance to be. And the love story that comes out of it is so worth the complex journey to get to it. So if you're the kind of reader who can handle that, then I highly suspect you will enjoy the hell out of this book. As always read through the TW/CW to be on the safe side because if any book could be triggering it would be this one.
November 28, 2022
Did NOT See This One Coming!
Ok…so let jump into this!
First and foremost, read the trigger warnings. I’ll remind you again…trust me. I, however, am not one to read them. I take recommendations blindly. By chapter 2, I was like WTF did I sign up for 😳 but it wasn’t anything to steer me running in the opposite direction. What can I say…I like dark? 🤔
So unfolding two stories, in multiple POV. We learn Cain and Able are twins, who just so happen to unalive people. Able is a bit of a loose cannon. Cain likes control. Together they form the perfect mix of crazy psycho.
Kirby is in a terrible relationship with a top tier jerk. She’s the daughter of an FBI agent, and currently in the program to become one, unwillingly. One night on a dark road, she becomes Cain’s obsession.
And cue the most f’d up story you may read. But in truth I could NOT put it down. This is my first book by Brooklyn and I will most certainly be looking for more. She has the perfect mix of dark and twisted that I like.
Again, READ 👏🏼 THE 👏🏼 TRIGGER 👏🏼 WARNINGS 👏🏼. This book will not be for everyone. There are things that are going to make you uncomfortable. But hang tight! It’s a fun ride 🖤
Ok…so let jump into this!
First and foremost, read the trigger warnings. I’ll remind you again…trust me. I, however, am not one to read them. I take recommendations blindly. By chapter 2, I was like WTF did I sign up for 😳 but it wasn’t anything to steer me running in the opposite direction. What can I say…I like dark? 🤔
So unfolding two stories, in multiple POV. We learn Cain and Able are twins, who just so happen to unalive people. Able is a bit of a loose cannon. Cain likes control. Together they form the perfect mix of crazy psycho.
Kirby is in a terrible relationship with a top tier jerk. She’s the daughter of an FBI agent, and currently in the program to become one, unwillingly. One night on a dark road, she becomes Cain’s obsession.
And cue the most f’d up story you may read. But in truth I could NOT put it down. This is my first book by Brooklyn and I will most certainly be looking for more. She has the perfect mix of dark and twisted that I like.
Again, READ 👏🏼 THE 👏🏼 TRIGGER 👏🏼 WARNINGS 👏🏼. This book will not be for everyone. There are things that are going to make you uncomfortable. But hang tight! It’s a fun ride 🖤
October 29, 2022
Wow I didn't realize just how dark my reading habits had become! This book has sooooo many triggers and dark elements that it's hard to list them. I mean seriously if you have any triggers this book is not for you, move along. That being said, Brooklyn has managed to blow my mind yet again. How do you take these deeply deeply disturbed individuals and make it so that not only am I lusting after them but also cheering for them as the do horrible things?!?!?!? I have never felt more connected to a character as I did with Kirby, she was just as confused by her attraction to Cain as I was with my own attraction to him. Cain is straight up irredeemable but you love him anyway. Again there may be something wrong with me but when I am reading I like my men dark and that is who Cain is a deep dark pool of yum!! Also there are songs that get stuck in your head, you have been warned.
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